The holidays are upon us! Who needs a new thing when you can create some special memories and take your loved ones (or yourself to an epic experience. Not sure where to go? What if we told you that we have the perfect plans and gift ideas guaranteed to please every age?
Gifting experiences is the easiest and most foolproof way to reconnect with friends and family, and boy do we have some recommendations! Gift your loved ones something they’ll remember for years to come, from incredible concerts and immersive exhibitions, to a special treat for a TV buff and more. You’re sure to find the perfect gifts with our ultimate experiential gift guide below:
1. Walk amongst the stars at the spectacular Astra Lumina
Head to Queens Botanical Garden for an enchanting night walk under the stars to learn more about the secrets of the sky on this celestial. Go on a magical walk in a beautiful botanical garden that guides visitors on a journey to discover the wonder of visiting stars!
Don’t miss your chance to be one with the sky at Astra Lumina!
2. Gift the ultimate relaxation experience at the lavish AIRE Ancient Baths this holiday season
Discover the perfect gift at AIRE Ancient Baths, where you’ll escape NYC’s hectic pace in a truly peaceful oasis—a former textile factory from 1883. Drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations, this divine experience is an ideal gift for anyone seeking a wellness retreat, featuring decadent thermal baths, aromatherapy steam rooms, and relaxing massages. Elevate your gift with the Love Connection Ritual, the rejuvenating Holistic Ritual, or the Signature Wine Experience—a luxurious soak in an antioxidant-rich wine bath accompanied by massages.
For a blissful escape, gift AIRE Ancient Baths with sleek AIRE Gift Boxes, available for home delivery or in personalized virtual formats.
Learn more about AIRE Ancient Baths, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook!
📍Location: TriBeCa, 88 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013
3. Visit this enchanting holiday walk-thru experience
Marvel at the twinkling spectacle of over 100,000 radiant lights, just under an hour from NYC! Embark on an enchanting journey into a festive wonderland this holiday season. The magical ‘Holiday Lane at American Christmas’ is now open in Mount Vernon, New York, warmly welcoming visitors throughout the Christmas holidays!
Get your tickets to experience the holiday magic!
4. Embrace the glow at a Candlelight Concert
Whether you love folk rock, disco pop, classical music and more, the Candlelight concert series is bringing mesmerizing experiences to NYC’s loveliest spaces! You can catch tributes to your favorite artists, like and more, played by highly talented musicians, including Highline String Quartet.
For fans of classical music, who want to get into the holiday spirit there are many shows to experience! The Best Hits of Christmas has the notable festive tunes. There are also medleys available such as this Holiday Special Candlelight featuring “The Nutcracker” and more! For a bit of luxury check out this collaboration Sofitel Hotel to experience holiday favorites with dinner in this stunning space!
Give the gift of music too. There are Candlelight concert gift cards for that special someone in your life!
Enjoy a series of concerts illuminated by candlelight in some of the most iconic venues in New York!
5. See tiny art at Small Is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition
Need a plan you can make with your family members or perhaps even enjoy on your own? The Small is Beautiful Exhibition is your answer and it’s your last month to check it out! It offers over 130 exclusive artworks and 80 photographs by 32 local and international artists. This is the biggest international exhibition entirely dedicated to miniature art and you can find several pieces created exclusively for the event and hidden in unusual corners-so keep an eye out for these nuggets!
With over 150,000 visitors and fantastic reviews in Paris and London, the Small is Beautiful universe is finally coming to NYC! Right in the heart of NYC, a gallery at 718 Broadway, near Washington Park.
Don’t miss out on discovering the wonderful world of miniature before it closes on on Dec. 31st!
6. Step into this beautiful Winter Lantern Festival
See over 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns now open at the Queens County Farm Museum! Have fun with interactive light swings and see-saws, delicious food vendors and more, the experience will delight the whole family. All ages are welcome to this illuminated experience. Over three years, this experience has delighted over 150,000 guests.
Be one of the lucky visitors to explore Winter Lantern Festival in Queens!
7. Naughty list? Discover Santa’s Secret!
One the naughty list this year? Aren’t you lucky! Throughout December, indulge in Santa’s Secret a burlesque and variety show with some talented and eye-popping acts! Santa’s Secret is located at Hudson Yards at 350 11th Avenue & Hudson Blvd. Drinks and bites are available for additional purchase. Tickets are selling soon to this event and usually sells out.
Don’t miss the spicy Santa’s Secret experience, ending on Dec.31st!
8. Pop into The FRIENDS™ Experience
December is also your last chance to take your besties to the FRIENDS™ Experience and relive your favorite scenes from one of the most popular series! Located on the corner of Lexington Ave. and 23rd St, this experience allows you to step into your favorite moments and settings of the show. Could it BE any more fun?
You can lounge in Chandler and Joey’s recliners, pivot a couch in a tiny apartment stairwell or spill some tea at Central Perk. I KNOW!
Celebrate your friendships this holiday while posing on the iconic orange couch!
9. Experience Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Leuca
Have you ever thought about what it’s like to eat in the dark? This incredibly unique and reinvigorating experience requires relying purely on your other senses besides sight to navigate and enjoy your food. It can enhance your sense of taste, focus on smells, and awareness of texture. After donning your blindfold in the darkened, candlelit room, you’ll be able to experience flavors and textures like never before. And best of all, you’ll get to savor a mystery menu created by Leuca Restaurant‘s chefs, inspired by the flavors of Southern Italy, which features carefully chosen seasonal ingredients. Yum!
Take a seat and challenge your perception of food.
10. Tap your inner moon goddess at Moonrise: An Immersive Theatrical Experience in Paradise Club
Want to know which moon goddess aligns with your Zodiac? Or, are you on the lookout for something fun to do with your bestie? Tap into your inner moon goddess at this event!
MoonRise is an immersive theatrical experience with circus-based acts, multi-sensory interactive installations and themed cocktails. First identify your moon goddess based on your birthday and learn more about the traits of your sign.
Celebrate Sagittarius and Capricorn season with this unique experience!
11. Enjoy the one-of-a-kind Teardrop Igloos Experience at Somewhere Nowhere
For a luxurious holiday experience, this one-of-a kind winter wonderland will keep you cozy and warm! Igloos hold from two to five people and admission includes a bottle of champagne. Soak up epic views of NYC in the comfort of your own igloo! Enjoy the winter season at the Teardrop Igloos Experience!
Cozy up in this igloo at Somewhere Nowhere!
12. Face off at Game of 1,000 Boxes: NYC’s First Live Game Show
Ever wanted to be on a game show? Now you can live your fantasy with fun and exciting party games. Game of 1000 Boxes: NYC’s First Live Game Show can have up to 32 players face off for a chance to win one of the mystery boxes! The game takes place at Lightbox, located 248 W 37th Street and the experience lasts approximately one hour long.
With the purchase of one ticket you will be paired with up to three other players around a single podium, working together as one team of four. This makes for a perfect gift, as well. There is admission for one, two or a group of four people.
Snag tickets now for the competitive brainiacs in your life!